Matched-impedance connector footprints

ABSTRACT

Disclosed are methodologies for defining matched-impedance footprints on a substrate such as a printed circuit board, for example, that is adapted to receive an electrical component having an arrangement of terminal leads. Such a footprint may include an arrangement of electrically-conductive pads and an arrangement of electrically-conductive vias. The via arrangement may differ from the pad arrangement. The vias may be arranged to increase routing density, while limiting cross-talk and providing for matched impedance between the component and the substrate. The via arrangement may be altered to achieve a desired routing density on a layer of the board. Increasing the routing density may decrease the number of board layers, which tends to decrease capacitance and thereby increase impedance. Ground vias and signal vias may be arranged with respect to one another in such a manner as to affect impedance. Thus, the via arrangement may be altered to achieve an impedance that matches the impedance of the component. The via arrangement may be also be altered to limit cross-talk among neighboring signal conductors. Thus, the via arrangement may be defined to balance the impedance, cross-talk, and routing density requirements of the system.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/287,926, filed Nov. 28, 2005, which claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of provisional U.S. patent application No. 60/631,545, filed Nov. 29, 2004, and of provisional U.S. patent application No. 60/686,514, filed Jun. 1, 2005. The contents of each of the above-referenced U.S. patent applications is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Typically, an electrical component, such as an electrical connector, for example, may include a plurality of electrically-conductive contacts, the terminal portions of which may be arranged in a matrix of rows and columns, for example. The contacts L may be signal conductors or ground conductors, and may be arranged along columns in a signal-signal-ground arrangement. Adjacent signal contacts may form differential signal pairs, though the signal contacts may be single-ended signal conductors. Such a component may include any combination of differential signal pairs and single-ended signal conductors.

Terminal portions of the contacts may be received by a substrate, such as a backplane or printed circuit board. At the board termination level, the contact leads may be terminated in plated through-holes (PTHs). PTH technology is a method of PCB manufacture whereby traces on one layer may be electrically connected through previously-drilled through-holes to traces on another layer using a plating method. When PTH technology is employed, the footprint, or arrangement of through-holes, must align with the arrangement of the terminal portions of the leads so that the terminal portions of the leads may be received by corresponding through-holes in the substrate.

Plated through-holes, however, constrain routing density (i.e., the number of traces that may be disposed onto the surface of a board layer). Plated through-holes, therefore, tend to increase the number of board layers necessary to provide required routing. Increasing the number of layers, however, increases board thickness and manufacturing cost. It also increases capacitance due to the increased number of ground planes. Increasing capacitance decreases impedance. Consequently, the board impedance may be driven lower than the component impedance, which creates a undesirable discontinuity between the board impedance and the component impedance. It is desirable that the component impedance and the board impedance be matched as nearly as possible to avoid signal reflections that occur because of the impedance discontinuity. Such reflections created unwanted noise that degrades signal integrity.

Alternatively, an electrical component may be mounted to a circuit board using surface mount technology (SMT). SMT involves electrically connecting terminal ends of the contacts to the surface of the substrate by electrically connecting each terminal end to a respective SMT pad located on the surface of the substrate. The terminal ends of the contacts, which may include electrically-conductive solder balls, for example, are typically soldered to the pads. On multi-layer boards, the SMT pads are typically electrically connected to vias that extend between the layers of the board and electrically connect SMT pads or traces on one layer to traces on another layer.

FIG. 1 depicts a typical SMT connector footprint comprising a plurality of SMT pads P arranged in a pad arrangement and a plurality of vias V arranged in a via arrangement. Each of the vias V is electrically connected to a respective one of the SMT pads P. The SMT pads P and vias V may be arranged in a so-called “dog-bone” pattern, as shown. As shown in the inset, a “dog bone” may include an SMT pad P, a via V, a via pad VP, and an electrically conductive via trace VT that electrically connects the via pad and the SMT pad. It should be understood, however, that vias and SMT pads need not be arranged in such a dog-bone pattern. Alternatively, an SMT pad may overlap partially or completely with a corresponding via pad such that there is a direct connection between the SMT pad and the via pad. Such a configuration is typically referred to as “via-in-pad.”

The SMT pads and vias may be arranged into rows and columns. As shown in FIG. 1, columns extend along the horizontal direction, perpendicular to the board edge E. Rows extend along the vertical direction, parallel to the board edge E. The spacing between the centerlines of adjacent rows may be referred to as the row pitch P_(R). The spacing between the centerlines of adjacent columns may be referred to as the column pitch P_(C).

The SMT pads P and vias V may be ground conductors or signal conductors. Signal conductors may be used in either single-ended or differential signal transmission. High-speed (i.e., greater than 1 GHz) connectors typically use differential signal pairs for signal transmission. In differential signal transmission, each signal conductor may be paired with an adjacent signal conductor. A respective ground conductor may be disposed between adjacent pairs of signal conductors. In some connector systems, ground conductors may be included to decrease cross-talk among the signal conductors, and to promote impedance-matching.

The pad arrangement depicted in FIG. 1 may be the same as the lead arrangement in the component to be surface-mounted onto the board. For example, the SMT pads may be arranged into rows and columns just as the terminal portions of the leads are arranged into rows and columns. Further, the row pitch P_(R) and column pitch P_(C) of the pad arrangement may be the same as the row pitch and column pitch of the lead arrangement.

Similarly, the via arrangement may be the same as the pad arrangement. That is, the vias V may be arranged into rows and columns, for example, just as the SMT pads P are arranged into rows and columns. Further, the row pitch P_(VR) and column pitch P_(VC) of the via arrangement may be the same as the row pitch P_(R) and column pitch P_(C) of the pad arrangement.

As described above, it may be desirable to decrease the number of board layers in an effort to reduce electrical discontinuity between the connector and the board and between different layers in the board. One way to accomplish this would be to increase the routing density on each layer of the board. Tying the via arrangement to the pad arrangement, however, tends to constrain the board designer's ability to improve routing density.

For example, in a typical connector having a 2 mm column pitch, a horizontal routing channel (i.e., the board space between adjacent columns) may be wide enough to include only one pair of traces. A typical connector having a 3 mm column pitch may be wide enough to include two pairs of traces. Similarly, in a typical connector having a row pitch of 1.4 mm, a vertical routing channel (i.e., the board space between adjacent rows) may be wide enough to include only a single trace. Consequently, in order to have a signal pair connected “vertically” out of the connector, a first trace must be disposed between a first pair of rows and a second trace must be disposed between a different pair of rows. It is usually desirable, however, to have the traces associated with a signal pair disposed as closely to each other as possible.

SUMMARY

Methodologies are described for defining connector footprints for a substrate, such as a printed circuit board, for example. The substrate may be any substrate that is adapted to receive an electrical component having an arrangement of terminal lead portions (i.e., the terminal portions of the leads). Such a footprint may include an arrangement of electrically-conductive SMT pads. A respective SMT pad may be associated with each terminal lead portion. The SMT pads may be arranged in an arrangement that corresponds to the lead arrangement (i.e., the arrangement of the terminal lead portions). The footprint may also include an arrangement of electrically-conductive vias. Each via may be electrically connected to a respective one of the SMT pads. The vias may be arranged in an arrangement that differs from the pad arrangement (and, therefore, from the lead arrangement). The vias may be arranged in any of a number of ways that increase routing density of traces on the substrate, while limiting cross-talk among signal conductors and providing for matched impedance between the connector and the substrate.

The via arrangement may be altered, i.e., the vias may be moved relative to one another, to achieve a desired routing density on a layer of the board. Increasing the routing density may decrease the number of board layers, thereby decreasing capacitance and increasing impedance. Further, ground vias and signal vias may be arranged with respect to one another in such a manner as to affect impedance and cross-talk. The distance between the signal conductors that form a pair may affect the impedance between them. The distance between the pair and an associated ground conductor may also affect impedance. The via arrangement may be also be altered to achieve an acceptable level of cross-talk among adjacent signal conductors. Thus, according to the invention, the via arrangement may be altered to achieve a desired balance between routing density, impedance-matching, and cross-talk.

Rows of adjacent SMT pads may be in a signal-signal-ground configuration. Such an arrangement may be suitable for edge card applications, for example. The pads may be coupled to respective vias or plated through-holes arranged in columns. Adjacent columns of vias or plated through-holes, however, may be staggered such that a ground via or through-hole of one column may be adjacent to a signal via or plated through-hole of an adjacent column. In this way, for example, unstaggered horizontal rows of SMT pads may break-out to staggered vertical columns of vias or plated through-holes.

Thus, a circuit board may include a substrate, a plurality of electrically conductive pads disposed on the substrate in a row, a first ground via and a first signal via arranged in a first column, and a second ground via and a second signal via arranged in a second column, the second column adjacent to the first column. Each via of the first and second columns may be electrically connected to a respective one of the plurality of pads in the row. The first ground via may be adjacent to the second signal via.

Each of the first and second ground vias may be a plated through hole. Each of the first and second signal vias may be a plated through hole. The plurality of pads may be arranged in repeating three-pad cells of signal, signal, ground. The first ground contact and the second ground contact may form a first diagonal with respect to at least one of the first and second columns. The first signal contact and the second signal contact may form a second diagonal with respect to at least one of the first and second columns. The first diagonal may be adjacent to the second diagonal.

Electrical performance (i.e., impedance, cross-talk, and insertion loss) of SMT connector footprints can be optimized by varying certain parameters of the footprint. Example of such parameters include relative position of signal and ground via holes, the size of the drilled holes, the size of the pads, etc. Disclosed are various options for positioning via holes with respect to the SMT pads in order to optimize electrical performance. Routing density may also be optimized for eliminating layers in the PCB (to improve impedance-matching and reduce manufacturing cost). Reducing via hole size increases available routing channel width, which may be used for routing more or wider traces.

SMT connector footprints may be designed for any application that uses a high-speed, high-density SMT connector (e.g., SATA, SAS, DDR, PCI-Express, backplane, etc.). Once the connector is selected, and the hole diameter and signal/ground configurations are determined, a number of parameters remain that can be optimized to maximize the footprint performance. These parameters include via pad size, via anti-pad size and shape, and via stub length.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a substrate having a typical SMT connector footprint disposed thereon.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate modifications that may be made to the footprint of FIG. 1 in accordance with the invention.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate modifications that may be made to the footprint of FIG. 1 in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 4A depicts a partial view of an example embodiment of a prior art SMT connector footprint.

FIGS. 4B-4D depict partial views of example embodiments of SMT connector footprints in accordance with of the invention to show optimization of column pitch and distance between vias of adjacent rows, and the rotation of the vias within and between columns.

FIGS. 5A and 5B depict an example connector footprint.

FIGS. 6A and 6B depict a footprint wherein the via arrangement depicted in FIGS. 5A and 5B has been altered within a column.

FIGS. 7A and 7B depict a footprint wherein pads from different pad columns are coupled to vias in the same via column.

FIGS. 8A and 8B depict an example connector footprint.

FIGS. 9A and 9B depict a footprint wherein the via arrangement depicted in FIGS. 8A and 8B has been altered within a column.

FIGS. 10A and 10B depict a footprint wherein the via arrangement depicted in FIGS. 8A and 8B has been altered to halve the via column pitch.

FIGS. 11A and 11B depict a footprint wherein pads from different pad columns are coupled to vias in the same via column.

FIGS. 12A and 12B depict a footprint that provides for double-density routing with split signal pairs.

FIGS. 13A and 13B depict a footprint that provides for double-density routing without split signal pairs.

FIGS. 14A and 14B depict a footprint wherein two columns of pads are coupled to a single column of vias.

FIGS. 15A and 15B depict a footprint wherein two columns of pads are coupled to a single column of vias without split signal pairs.

FIGS. 16A and 16B depict a footprint that provides for two-and-a-half times routing density.

FIGS. 17-21 illustrate example modifications that may be made to via arrangements in accordance with the invention.

FIGS. 22A and 22B depict an example footprint.

FIGS. 23A-C depict a footprint with signal pairs redirected to vias in different columns.

FIGS. 24A and 24B depict a footprint that provides for double-density routing.

FIGS. 25A and 25B depict a footprint that provides for one-and-a-half times routing density.

FIGS. 26A and 26B depict a footprint that provides for one-and-a-half times routing density.

FIGS. 27A and 27B depict a footprint that provides for serpentine routing.

FIGS. 28A and 28B depict a footprint that provides for double-density routing.

FIG. 28C depicts a footprint that provides for two-and-a-half times routing density.

FIGS. 29A and 29B depict example footprints wherein pads are arranged in rows, and corresponding vias are arranged in staggered columns.

FIGS. 30A and 30B illustrate various ground via hole sizes for an arrangement of signal conductor vias.

FIGS. 31A and 31B illustrate various ground via hole sizes for another arrangement of signal conductor vias.

FIGS. 32A and 32B provide example plots of differential impedance and cross-talk, respectively, for various ground via hole sizes.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 2A and 2B depict partial views of example embodiments of SMT connector footprints in accordance with an aspect of the invention. The via arrangement depicted in FIG. 1 may be modified in accordance with the embodiments depicts in FIGS. 2A and 2B to increase routing density, match impedance, and improve electrical performance of the system.

FIG. 2A depicts first and second ground conductor vias G₁ and G₂ and first and second signal conductor vias S₁ and S₂ disposed in a linear arrangement, such as a column or row. The signal conductor vias S₁ and S₂ may be used for either single-ended or differential signal transmission. According to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2A, the pitch A between the adjacent signal conductor vias S₁ and S₂ may be less than the pitch A₁ between the signal conductor via S₁ and the ground conductor via G₁ that is adjacent to the signal conductor via S₁. The pitch A between the signal conductor vias S₁ and S₂ may be less than the pitch A₂ between the signal conductor via S₂ and the ground conductor via G₂ that is adjacent to the signal conductor via S₂. The pitch A₁ may be the same as, or different from, the pitch A₂. The actual distances A, A₁, and A₂ may be chosen to achieve a desired routing density and/or to optimize signal transmission performance through better impedance-matching and cross-talk reduction.

FIG. 2B depicts first and second signal conductor vias S₁, S₂ and a single ground conductor via G₃ disposed in a linear arrangement, such as a column or row. The signal conductor vias S₁, S₂ may be used for either single-ended or differential signal transmission. According to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2B, the pitch A between the adjacent signal conductor vias S₁ and S₂ may be less than the pitch A₃ between the signal conductor via S₁ and the ground conductor via G₃ that is adjacent to the signal conductor via S₁. The actual distances A and A₃ may be chosen to achieve a desired routing density, while optimizing signal transmission performance through better impedance-matching and cross-talk reduction.

FIGS. 3A and 3B depict partial views of example embodiments of SMT connector footprints in accordance with an aspect of the invention. The via arrangement depicted in FIG. 1 may be modified in accordance with the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 3A and 3B to improve routing density and/or electrical performance of the system.

FIG. 3A depicts first and second ground conductor vias G₁, G₂ and first and second signal conductor vias S₁, S₂. The signal conductor vias S₁, S₂ may be used in either single-ended or differential signal transmission. As shown in FIG. 3A, the signal conductor vias S₁ and S₂ may be staggered relative to a centerline C along which the vias are disposed. That is, the signal conductor via S₁ may be offset by a distance B₁ from the centerline C in a first direction, and the signal conductor via S₂ may be offset by a distance B₂ from the centerline C in a second direction. The second direction may be opposite the first direction, as shown in FIG. 3A, or both signal vias may be offset from the centerline C in the same direction.

The offset B₁ may be the same as, or different from, the offset B₂. The ground conductor vias G₁ and G₂ may be located on the centerline C, as shown. Thus, the signal conductor vias S₁ and S₂ may be staggered with respect to each other in such a way as to be symmetrical with respect to the ground conductor vias G₁ and G₂ adjacent, respectively, to the signal conductor vias S₁ and S₂. The actual distances B₁, and B₂ may be chosen to achieve a desired routing density, while optimizing signal transmission performance through better impedance-matching and cross-talk reduction.

The pitch D (taken along the centerline C) between the adjacent signal conductor vias S₁ and S₂ may be less than the pitch D₁ between the signal conductor via S₁ and the ground conductor via G₁ that is adjacent to the signal conductor via S₁. The pitch D may be less than the pitch D₂ between the signal conductor via S₂ and the ground conductor via G₂ that is adjacent to the signal conductor via S₂. The pitch D₁ may be the same as, of different from, the pitch D₂. The actual distances D, D₁, and D₂ may be chosen to achieve a desired routing density, while optimizing signal transmission performance through better impedance-matching and cross-talk reduction.

FIG. 3B depicts first and second signal conductor vias S₁, S₂ and a single ground conductor via G₃. As shown in FIG. 3B, the signal conductor via S₁ may be offset by a distance B₁ from the centerline C in a first direction, and the signal conductor via S₂ may be offset by a distance B₂ from the centerline C in a second direction. The second direction may be opposite the first direction, as shown in FIG. 3B, or both signal vias may be offset from the centerline C in the same direction. The offset B₁ may be the same as, or different from, the offset B₂. The ground conductor via G₃ may be located on the centerline C, as shown.

The pitch D (taken along the centerline C) between the adjacent signal conductor vias S₁ and S₂ may be less than the pitch D₃ between the signal conductor via S₁ and the ground conductor via G₃ that is adjacent to the signal conductor via S₁. The actual distances D and D₃ may be chosen to achieve a desired routing density, while optimizing signal transmission performance through better impedance-matching and cross-talk reduction.

FIG. 4A depicts a via arrangement having a fixed column pitch y. That is, adjacent columns are spaced apart from one another by a distance y. Each column includes a plurality of vias arranged in a linear array in a ground-signal-signal configuration. The vias may be equally spaced from one another. That is, each ground via may be spaced apart from its adjacent signal via by a distance d, and adjacent signal vias may also be spaced apart from one another by a distance d. As shown, adjacent columns may be staggered relative to one another. That is, a column may be offset from an adjacent column by a distance e. As shown, the offset distance e may be the same as the distance d (i.e., one row pitch). It should be understood, however, that the offset may more or less than one row pitch (i.e., the offset distance e need not be the same as the distance d).

FIG. 4B illustrates optimization of column pitch distance and distance between vias of adjacent rows. It should be understood that the methodologies of the invention may be useful for optimizing signal integrity and routing density, even if neither is always maximized.

By comparison of the via arrangement depicted in FIG. 4B with the via arrangement depicted in FIG. 4A, it may be seen that the signal conductor vias may be moved relative to one another along the centerlines (as described above in connection with FIGS. 2A and 2B, for example). Moving the vias nearer to one another provides for increased routing density between adjacent rows. The values of D₁, D₂, and D, which may be chosen to optimize routing density between rows, may be the same or different from one another. The signal conductor vias may also be offset from their respective centerlines (as described above in connection with FIGS. 3A and 3B, for example). The values of B₁ and B₂, which may be chosen to achieve a desired limit on cross-talk, may be the same or different from one another.

Adjacent columns may be moved closer together. That is, the distance Y between column centerlines as depicted in FIG. 4B may be greater than the distance y between column centerlines as depicted in FIG. 4A. This provides for an increase in routing density between adjacent columns by widening the routing channels that exist to the left and right (as shown in FIG. 4B) of the via arrangement. That is, the distance Δ₁ shown in FIG. 4A may be greater than the distance Δ₂ shown in FIG. 4B. The values of Y and Y₁, as well as the amount of offset E between adjacent columns, may be chosen to balance the impedance, cross-talk, and routing density requirements of the system. As depicted in FIG. 4B, two adjacent ground vias, such as the circumscribed ground vias, for example, may be replaced by a single ground via (shown in dashed line) located between (e.g., at the midpoint between) the adjacent ground vias.

FIGS. 4C and 4D illustrate rotation of vias within and between columns. As shown in FIG. 4C, each signal conductor via may be offset from its respective centerline in a direction opposite the direction it is offset in the arrangement depicted in FIG. 4B. Put another way, each signal pair may be rotated 90° around its centerpoint, as compared with the arrangement depicted in FIG. 4B. FIG. 4D depicts an arrangement wherein only some of the pairs have been rotated relative to the arrangement depicts in FIG. 4B. The arrangement of ground vias is the same as the arrangement of ground vias depicted in FIGS. 4A and 4B.

FIGS. 5A and 5B depict an example connector footprint. FIG. 5A depicts a top-layer configuration including two columns of vias V and pads P in a dog-bone configuration. As shown, the row pitch P_(VR) of the via arrangement is the same as the row pitch P_(R) of the SMT pad arrangement. The column pitch P_(VC) of the via arrangement is the same as the column pitch P_(C) of the SMT pad arrangement. The offset O_(VC) between adjacent columns of vias is the same as the offset O_(C) between adjacent columns of SMT pads. The column pitch P_(C) might be about 2 mm in such a footprint. Thus, the via arrangement is the same as the pad arrangement. FIG. 5B depicts the arrangement of vias V on an inner layer, including an example arrangement of via anti-pads AP. As shown in FIG. 5B, one pair of traces T may be routed along the routing channel between adjacent columns. Via anti-pads would be disposed on a ground layer, and not on the same layer(s) as the traces.

FIGS. 6A and 6B depict a footprint wherein a via arrangement such as depicted in FIGS. 5A and 5B has been altered within a column in a manner such as described above in connection with FIGS. 2A and 2B. The pad arrangement depicted in FIG. 6A is the same as the pad arrangement depicted in FIG. 5A. Adjacent columns of SMT pads are offset from one another by a distance O_(C). The via column pitch P_(VC) is the same as the SMT pad column pitch P_(C). The via arrangement has been altered, however, such that the pitch A between adjacent signal conductor vias may be greater than the pitch A₁, A₂ between a signal conductor via and an adjacent ground conductor via. It is expected that an arrangement such as depicted in FIGS. 6A and 6B, will yield a higher impedance, and, consequently, a better impedance match, than an arrangement such as depicted in FIGS. 5A and 5B, even if routing density is unchanged. Also, the distance A between adjacent vias may be larger than the pad row pitch P_(R). Thus, routing density may be improved because one or more traces T_(V) may be disposed between adjacent rows as shown.

FIGS. 7A and 7B depict a footprint wherein a via arrangement such as depicted in FIGS. 5A and 5B has been altered in accordance with an aspect of the invention. The pad arrangement depicted in FIG. 7A is the same as the pad arrangement depicted in FIG. 5A. The via column pitch P_(VC) is the same as the pad column pitch P_(C). The footprint has been altered, however, such that pads P disposed in different columns are coupled to vias V disposed along a single column. For example, as shown in FIG. 7A, a pair of signal conductor pads P₁, P₂ in a first pad column (e.g., the upper pad column) may be connected to a first pair of signal conductor vias V₁, V₂ in a via column (e.g., the middle via column), while a pair of signal conductor pads P₃, P₄ in a second pad column (e.g., the lower pad column) may be connected to a second pair of signal conductor vias V₃, V₄ in the same via column.

It is expected that an arrangement such as depicted in FIGS. 7A and 7B will yield a lower cross-talk than an arrangement such as depicted in FIGS. 5A and 5B, even if routing density is unchanged. It is well understood that differential cross-talk is a function of the sum of the cross-talks among neighboring differential signal pairs. It is also well-understood that cross-talk between pairs of opposite signs may be less than cross-talk between pairs of the same sign, all other things being the same. That is, cross-talk between neighboring pairs may be less when one of the neighboring pairs is a signal transmitter pair and the other neighboring pair is a signal receiver pair. In accordance with an aspect of the invention, neighboring pairs may be chosen to minimize cross-talk by routing the pads associated with signal pairs having opposite signs to adjacent via pairs.

FIGS. 8A and 8B depict an example connector footprint. FIG. 8A depicts two columns of vias V and pads P in a dog-bone configuration. FIG. 8B depicts the arrangement of vias V on an inner layer, including an example arrangement of via anti-pads AP. As shown, the row pitch P_(VR) of the via arrangement is the same as the row pitch P_(R) of the SMT pad arrangement. The column pitch P_(VC) of the via arrangement is the same as the column pitch P_(C) of the SMT pad arrangement. The stagger O_(VC) between adjacent columns of vias is the same as the offset O_(C) between adjacent columns of SMT pads. Thus, the via arrangement is the same as the SMT pad arrangement. As shown in FIG. 8B, two pairs of traces T may be routed along the routing channel between adjacent columns. The column pitch P_(C) might be about 3 mm in such a footprint.

FIGS. 9A and 9B depict a footprint wherein a via arrangement such as depicted in FIGS. 8A and 8B has been altered within a column in a manner such as described above in connection with FIGS. 2A and 2B. As shown, the pitch A between adjacent signal conductor vias within a column may be greater than the pitch A₁, A₂ between a signal conductor via and an adjacent ground conductor via. Note that the anti-pads depicted in FIGS. 8B, 9B, 10B, and 11B may be smaller than the anti-pads depicted in FIGS. 5B, 6B, and 7B. It is expected that, consequently, signal integrity will not be as good using a footprint as depicted in FIGS. 9A and 9B as it would be using a footprint as depicted in FIGS. 6A and 6B. However, a pair of traces T_(V) maybe routed along each such routing channel as shown. As described above, increasing routing density can tend to increase impedance by reducing the number of board layers. Thus, the footprint depicted in FIGS. 9A and 9B provides for a trade-off between signal integrity and impedance matching.

FIGS. 10A and 10B depict a footprint wherein a via arrangement such as depicted in FIGS. 9A and 9B has been further altered to halve the via column pitch. That is, the via column pitch P_(VC) depicted in FIGS. 10A and 10B is about half of the via column pitch P_(VC) depicted in FIGS. 9A and 9B (and, therefore, about half the SMT pad column pitch P_(C)). Consequently, the width of the routing channels between adjacent via columns is also halved. Because there are twice as many columns, however, and, consequently, twice as many routing channels, there is no decrease in routing density. By arranging the vias into four columns instead of two, however, the signal vias may be farther apart from one another, which tends to improve signal integrity.

FIGS. 11A and 11B depict a footprint wherein a via arrangement such as depicted in FIGS. 8A and 8B has been altered in a manner such as described above in connection with FIGS. 2A and 2B and such that pads disposed in different columns are coupled to vias disposed along a single via column. The pad arrangement depicted in FIGS. 11A and 11B is the same as the pad arrangement depicted in FIGS. 8A and 8B. The via column pitch P_(VC) depicted in FIGS. 11A and 11B is the same as the via column pitch P_(VC) depicted in FIGS. 8A and 8B.

As shown in FIG. 11A, however, the pitch A between adjacent signal conductor vias within a column may be greater than the pitch A₁, A₂ between a signal conductor via and an adjacent ground conductor via. Further, a pair of signal conductor SMT pads P in a first pad column (e.g., the upper pad column shown in FIG. 11A) may be connected to a first pair of signal conductor vias V in a via column (e.g., the middle via column), while a pair of signal conductor SMT pads P in a second pad column (e.g., the lower pad column) may be connected to a second pair of signal conductor vias V in the via column. As described above in connection with FIGS. 7A and 7B, it is expected that an arrangement such as depicted in FIGS. 11A and 11B will yield a lower cross-talk than an arrangement such as depicted in FIGS. 8A and 8B, even if routing density is unchanged. Note that in the footprint depicted in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the routing channels between rows provide for relatively straight traces T_(V), rather than serpentine traces as depicted in FIGS. 9A and 9B.

FIGS. 12A and 12B depict a footprint wherein a via arrangement such as depicted in FIGS. 8A and 8B has been altered to provide for double-density routing between adjacent rows while maintaining double-density routing between adjacent columns (e.g., four pairs rather than two). The pad arrangement depicted in FIG. 12A is the same as the pad arrangement depicted in FIG. 8A, though four columns of pads are depicted in FIG. 12A. As most clearly seen in FIG. 12B, signal pairs may be split. For example, signal conductors 1 and 3 may form a first pair, while signal conductors 2 and 4 form a second pair. In other words, the vias may be arranged such that adjacent signal conductor vias are associated with different differential signal pairs. For example, the vias may be arranged as shown such that via 2 is located between vias 1 and 3. Thus, the differential signal pair formed by signal conductor vias 1 and 3 may be “split.” It should be understood that increasing the distance between the conductors that form a pair increases impedance.

Additionally, as described above, adjacent vias may be separated from one another by a distance that allows for routing of traces between the vias that form the pairs. As shown, two pairs of traces may be routed between the vias that form the pairs. The arrangement also permits two ground pads, e.g., AP₁ and AP₂, to be coupled to the same ground via G. Thus, a number of ground vias may be eliminated.

The via arrangement may be altered to achieve an acceptable level of differential cross-talk. As is well-known, differential cross-talk within a column is a function of the sum of individual cross-talks. For example, for the third column from the top in the arrangement depicted in FIG. 12B, differential cross-talk may be computed by summing the individual cross-talks between signal conductors 1 and 2, 2 and 3, 3 and 4, and 1 and 4. The via arrangement may be altered, e.g., the vias may be moved around relative to one another, until the sum of all the individual cross-talks is near-zero (or at least below an acceptable level).

FIGS. 13A and 13B depict another footprint that provides for double-density routing without split signal pairs. The pad arrangement depicted in FIG. 13A is the same as the pad arrangement depicted in FIG. 12A. FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate that the principle applied within a column as described in connection with the arrangement depicted in FIGS. 12A and 12B, can be applied between columns. That is, the vias may be moved around relative to one another until the differential cross-talk is below an acceptable level.

As shown in FIG. 13B, neighboring signal pairs 3,4 and 5,6 are separated from one another, but the signal pairs are not split (that is, each signal conductor is adjacent to the other signal conductor with which it forms a pair). Thus, adjacent via pairs may be separated from one another by a distance that allows for routing between them. As shown, four pairs of traces may be routed between via pairs 3,4 and 5,6.

Differential cross-talk between pairs may be computed by summing the individual cross-talks between the signal conductors. For example, differential cross-talk between pairs 1,2 and 3,4 may be computed by summing the individual cross-talks between signal conductors 1 and 3, 2 and 3, 2 and 4, and 1 and 4. The vias may be moved around until the differential cross-talk is below an acceptable level.

FIGS. 14A and 14B depict a footprint wherein two columns of pads are coupled to one column of vias. As shown, the via column pitch P_(VC) may be twice the pad column pitch P_(C). Thus, in an inner layer of the board, the routing channel between adjacent via columns may be twice as wide, though there may be only half as many such routing channels. As shown, four pairs may be routed in one channel, rather than two pairs in each of two channels. The via row pitch P_(VR) may be half the pad row pitch P_(R). Signal pairs may be split, however, to improve signal integrity. That is, adjacent signal conductor vias in a via column may belong to different signal pairs. For example, signal conductor visas 1 and 3 may form a first pair, and signal conductor vias 2 and 4 may form a second pair. As shown, two signal pairs may be disposed adjacent to one another without an intervening ground. A number of ground vias may be eliminated, as two grounds pads may be coupled to a single ground via.

FIGS. 15A and 15B depict a footprint wherein two columns of pads are coupled to one column of vias, without split signal pairs. As shown, the via column pitch P_(VC) may be twice the pad column pitch P_(C). Thus, the routing channel between adjacent via columns may be twice as wide, though there may be only half as many such routing channels. As shown, four pairs may be routed in one channel, rather than two pairs in each of two channels. A number of ground vias may be eliminated, as two grounds pads may be coupled to a single ground via. The via row pitch P_(VR) may be twice the pad row pitch P_(R). Signal pairs may be interleaved along a row. That is, adjacent signal conductors may belong to the same pair (e.g., vias 1 and 2 may form a first pair; vias 3 and 4 may form a second pair), and two signal pairs (e.g., 1,2 and 3,4) may be disposed adjacent to one another without an intervening ground.

FIGS. 16A and 16B depict a footprint that provides for two-and-a-half times routing density. Though the footprint depicted in FIGS. 16A and 16B is depicted without split signal pairs, it should be understood that the signal pairs could be split. Note that the routing channels depicted in FIG. 16B are the same as the routing channels depicted in FIG. 15B. The footprint depicted in FIG. 16B differs from the footprint depicted in FIG. 15B, however, in that the traces depicted in FIG. 16B may be narrower than the traces depicted in FIG. 15B.

The use of narrower traces increases routing density within a routing channel of a given width. Wider traces are beneficial because insertion losses decrease as trace width increases. Traces may have widths in the range of about 100-300 μm, preferably in the range of about 100-200 μm.

In the example depicted in FIG. 16B, five pairs of traces may be routed between adjacent via columns. In an example conductor having four columns with five signal pairs per column, the 25% increase in routing density (i.e., an additional pair of routing traces for every four) means that only two board layers may be needed instead of three. As described above, reducing the number of board layers tends to reduce capacitance and, thereby, to increase impedance. Reducing the number of board layers may also reduce or eliminate the need for backdrilling of vias.

In accordance with the invention, any of the via arrangements depicted in FIGS. 14B, 15B, and 16B may be modified in accordance with the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 17-21 to improve routing density and electrical performance of the connector/substrate system.

FIG. 17 depicts a partial view of a connector footprint that includes a first pair of signal conductor vias S₁ and S₂ and a second pair of signal conductor vias S₃ and S₄. Vias S₁ and S₂ may form a first differential signal pair and signal conductor vias S₃ and S₄ may form a second differential signal pair. As shown, the vias may be disposed in a linear arrangement.

The pitch E₁ between the signal conductor vias S₁ and S₂, and the pitch E₃ between the signal conductor vias S₃ and S₄ each may be less than the pitch E₂ between the signal conductor vias S₂ and S₃. Likewise the pitch E between the signal conductor via S₁ and the ground conductor via G₁, and the pitch E₄ between the signal conductor via S₄ and the ground conductor G₂ may be less than the pitch E₂. The pitches E, E₁, E₃, and E₄ may, in general, be the same as, or different from, one another. The actual distances E, E₁, E₂, E₃, and E₄ may be chosen to achieve a desired routing density, while optimizing signal transmission performance through better impedance-matching and cross-talk reduction.

FIG. 18 depicts a partial view of an alternative embodiment of a connector footprint that includes two ground conductor vias G₁ and G₂, and four signal conductor vias S₁, S₂, S₃, and S₄. As shown in FIG. 18, the signal conductor vias S₁, S₂, S₃, and S₄ may be staggered relative to one another along the centerline C along which the vias are disposed. That is, the signal conductor vias S₁ and S₃, for example, may be offset by a distance B₁ from the centerline C in a first direction, and the signal conductor vias S₂ and S₄ may be offset by a distance B₂ from the centerline C in a direction that is opposite to the first direction. The offset B₁ may be the same as, or different from, the offset B₂. The ground conductor vias G₁ and G₂ may be located on the centerline C, as shown. Thus, the signal conductor vias S₁, S₂, S₃, and S₄ may be staggered with respect to each other in such a way as to be symmetrical with respect to the ground conductor vias G₁ and G₂ adjacent, respectively, to the signal conductor vias S₁ and S₄. The actual distances B₁ and B₂ may be chosen to achieve a desired routing density, while optimizing signal transmission performance through better impedance-matching and cross-talk reduction.

The pitches F, F₁, F₂, F₃, and F₄ may, in general, be the same as, or different from, one another. The actual distances F, F₁, F₂, F₃, and F₄ may be chosen to achieve a desired routing density, while optimizing signal transmission performance through better impedance-matching and cross-talk reduction. It is also expected that the sum of the distances F, F₁, F₂, F₃, and F₄ may be less than the sum of the distances E, E₁, E₂, E₃, and E₄ depicted in FIG. 17 to achieve the same electrical performance for the same connector lead arrangement.

FIG. 19 depicts a partial view of an example embodiment of a connector footprint that includes two ground conductor vias G₁ and G₂, and four signal conductor vias S₁, S₂, S₃, and S₄. As shown in FIG. 19, the signal conductor vias S₁, S₂, S₃, and S₄ may be staggered relative to one another along the centerline C along which the vias are disposed. That is, the signal conductor vias S₁ and S₃, for example, may be offset by a distance B₁ from the centerline C in a first direction, and the signal conductor vias S₂ and S₄ may be offset by a distance B₂ from the centerline C in a direction that is opposite to the first direction. The offset B₁ may be the same as, or different from, the offset B₂.

The ground conductor vias G₁ and G₂ may also be offset relative to the centerline C. The ground conductor G₁ may be offset a distance B₃ from the centerline C, and may be offset in the same direction as the signal conductor vias S₂ and S₄. The ground conductor G₂ may be offset a distance B₄ from the centerline C, and may be offset in the same direction as the signal conductor vias S₁ and S₃. In general, the offsets B₁, B₂, B₃, and B₄ may be the same as, or different from, one another. As shown, the vias may be be staggered with respect to each other in such a way as to be symmetrical with respect to the centerline C. The actual distances B₁, B₂, B₃, and B₄ may be chosen to achieve a desired routing density, while optimizing signal transmission performance through better impedance-matching and cross-talk reduction.

The pitches H, H₁, H₂, H₃, and H₄ may, in general, be the same as, or different from, one another. The actual distances H, H₁, H₂, H₃, and H₄ may be chosen to achieve a desired routing density, while optimizing signal transmission performance through better impedance-matching and cross-talk reduction. It is also expected that the sum of the distances H, H₁, H₂, H₃, and H₄ may be less than the sum of the distances F, F₁, F₂, F₃, and F₄ depicted in FIG. 19 to achieve the same electrical performance for the same connector lead arrangement.

FIG. 20 depicts a partial view of a connector footprint including a plurality of pads P arranged to correspond with the arrangement of the terminal portions of the leads of an electrical connector (not shown) that is to be received by the substrate. The substrate may also include pluralities of vias V arranged into two-pair column cells. As shown, each column cell may include two pairs of signal conductor vias S, and two ground conductor vias G. Each via V is electrically connected to a respective pad P. The vias V may be offset relative to the via column centerline C, such as described in connection with FIG. 19.

As shown in FIG. 20, the spacing between adjacent column cells may be large compared to the spacing between adjacent vias or pairs within the column. Accordingly, the connector footprint depicted in FIG. 20 may improve routing density as it allows for additional traces T_(V) to be disposed between adjacent column cells.

FIG. 21 depicts a partial view of an example embodiment of a connector footprint that includes two ground conductor vias G₁ and G₂, and four signal conductor vias S₁, S₂, S₃, and S₄. As shown in FIG. 21, the signal conductor vias S₁, S₂, S₃, and S₄ may be staggered relative to the centerline C along which the vias are disposed. That is, the signal conductor vias S₁ and S₂, for example, may be offset by a distance B₁ from the centerline C in a first direction, and the signal conductor vias S₃ and S₄ may be offset by a distance B₂ from the centerline C in a direction that is opposite to the first direction. The offset B₁ may be the same as, or different from, the offset B₂. The ground conductor vias G₁, G₂ may be located on the centerline C, as shown. Thus, the signal conductor vias S₁, S₂, S₃, and S₄ may be offset with respect to each other in such a way as to be symmetrical with respect to the ground conductor vias.

The pitches I, I₁, I₃, and I₄ may, in general, be the same as, or different from, one another. The pitch I₄ between the signal conductor S₄ and the ground conductor G₂ may be larger than any of the pitches I, I₁, I₂, and I₃. The actual distances I, I₁, I₂, I₃, and I₄ may be chosen to achieve a desired routing density, while optimizing signal transmission performance through better impedance-matching and cross-talk reduction.

FIGS. 22A and 22B depicts a typical prior art footprint wherein the via arrangement is the same as the pad arrangement. That is, the vias V may be arranged into rows and columns, for example, just as the SMT pads P are arranged into rows and columns. Further, the row pitch P_(VR) and column pitch P_(VC) of the via arrangement may be the same as the row pitch P_(R) and column pitch P_(C) of the pad arrangement. As shown, adjacent via columns are not staggered relative to one another.

FIGS. 23A and 23B depict a footprint as depicted in FIGS. 22A and 22B, modified by redirecting certain signal pairs to different vias. As shown in FIG. 23B, the routing may be the same as that depicted in FIG. 22B, but the traces may route different signals. In the footprint depicted in FIG. 23C, traces may be made narrow enough such that two pairs of traces may be routed in the routing channel between adjacent columns, rather than only one pair as depicted in FIGS. 22B and 23B.

FIGS. 24A and 24B depict a footprint that provides for double-density routing, wherein adjacent signal pairs have been separated into different via columns. As shown, there may be twice as many via columns as pad columns. The via row pitch P_(VR) may be the same as the pad row pitch P_(R), and the via column pitch P_(VC) may be half the pad column pitch P_(C). Consequently, though the routing channel between adjacent via columns may be only half as wide, there may be twice as many such routing channels. Accordingly, one pair of traces T may be routed in each channel, rather than two pairs in each of half-as-many channels. Consequently, the routing density may be unchanged. However, moving the pairs farther apart tends to improve signal integrity. Alternatively, this configuration may be viewed as having one or more via rows offset relative to an adjacent row. As shown in FIG. 24B, for example, the via row fourth from the left is offset by half the pad column pitch P_(C) from the row third from the left.

FIGS. 25A and 25B depict a footprint that provides for one-and-a-half times routing density. As shown, a first via column (e.g., the upper via column depicted in FIG. 25B) may be separated from the a second via column (e.g., the second via column from the top) by a first via column pitch P_(V1). The second via column may be offset from the first via column by a distance O_(V) along the direction along which the column extends. The second via column may be separated from the a third via column (e.g., the third via column from the top) by a second via column pitch P_(V2) that is larger than the first via column pitch P_(V1). Thus, a first, relatively narrow routing channel (having column pitch P_(V1)) may be formed between the first via column and the second via column, and a second, relatively wide routing channel (having column pitch P_(V2)) may be formed between the second via column and the third via column. One pair of traces T may be routed along the first routing channel. Two pairs of traces T may be routed along the second routing channel. Thus, the arrangement provides two adjacent routing channels that, combined, provide routing space for three pairs of traces.

FIGS. 26A and 26B depict a footprint that provides for one-and-a-half times routing density. As shown, a first via column (e.g., the upper via column depicted in FIG. 26B) may be separated from a second via column (e.g., the second via column from the top) by a first via column pitch P_(V1). The second via column may be offset from the first via column by an offset O_(V). The second via column may be separated from the a third via column (e.g., the third via column from the top) by a second via column pitch P_(V2) that is larger than the first via column pitch P_(V1). Thus, a routing channel may be formed between the second and third via columns, as depicted in FIG. 26B, that is wide enough to route three pairs of traces. Accordingly, instead of two routing channels, each of which is capable of routing one pair of traces, the arrangement provides a single routing channel capable of routing three pairs of traces.

FIGS. 27A and 27B depict a footprint that provides for serpentine routing. As shown, a first via column (e.g., the upper via column depicted in FIG. 27B) may be separated from a second via column (e.g., the second via column from the top) by a first via column pitch P_(V1). A first via row (e.g., the leftmost via row depicted in FIG. 27B) may be offset relative to a second via row (e.g., the second via row from the left) by a distance, which may be, as shown, the same as a via column pitch P_(V1). The second via column may be separated from the a third via column (e.g., the third via column from the top) by a second via column pitch P_(V2) that is larger than the first via column pitch P_(V1). Adjacent rows may be staggered. That is, a first row maybe offset by a distance O from an adjacent row. As shown, every third row may be offset. Thus, as depicted in FIG. 27B, a serpentine routing channel may be formed between the second and third via columns. One or more serpentine traces T may be disposed along the serpentine routing channel.

FIGS. 28A and 28B depict a footprint that provides for double-density routing. As shown, the vias V associated with the SMT pads P that form a first pad column (e.g., the upper pad column depicted in FIG. 28A) and the vias V associated with the pads P that form a second pad column (e.g., the second via column from the top) that is adjacent to the first pad column, may be arranged in a single via column, which may be disposed between the first and second pad columns. Consequently, no vias need be disposed between the second pad column and a third pad column that is adjacent to the second pad column.

As shown, pad columns may be separated by a distance P_(C). Pad rows may be separated by a distance P_(R). Via columns maybe separated by a distance P_(VC), which may be approximately twice the pad column pitch P_(C). Via rows may be separated by a distance P_(VR), which may be approximately half the pad row pitch P_(R). Thus, a routing channel may be formed between the second and third via columns, as depicted in FIG. 28B, that is wide enough to route four pairs of traces. Accordingly, instead of two routing channels, each of which is capable of routing one pair of traces, a single routing channel capable of routing four pairs of traces may be provided.

Note that, as shown in FIG. 28B, one ground via may be eliminated for every two pairs of signal conductor vias. Thus, the arrangement provides for routing channels between adjacent via cells (where each via cell includes a ground conductor via and two adjacent pairs of signal conductor vias). As shown, adjacent via cells may be separated by a distance P_(VR2), which may be approximately twice the via row pitch P_(VR).

As depicted in FIG. 28C, the traces T may be made narrow enough such that five pairs of traces T may be routed in the routing channel between the adjacent via columns, rather than only four pairs as depicted in FIG. 28B. Thus, two-and-a-half times routing density may be achieved.

FIGS. 29A and 29B depict example connector footprints wherein pads P_(S), P_(G) are arranged in rows and vias V_(S), V_(G) are coupled with the pads P_(S), P_(G) and are arranged in columns. Two rows of pads P_(S), P_(G) are shown, each row in a signal-signal-ground configuration. The hatched rectangles denote ground pads P_(G) and the open rectangles denote signal pads P_(S). The signal pads P_(S) of one row may be aligned with (i.e., in the same column as) signal pads P_(S) of the adjacent row but may also be offset by, for example, a one position shift. Likewise, the ground pads P_(G) of one row may be aligned with the ground pads P_(G) of the other row. Thus, the signal and ground pads P_(S), P_(G) of one row may be vertically aligned with, respectively, the signal and ground pads P_(S), P_(G) of another row.

Each of the pads P_(S), P_(G) may be coupled to a respective via V_(S), V_(G) by traces T. The vias V_(S), V_(G) may be arranged vertically, that is, in columns. The vias V_(S), V_(G) may be located in an inside area IA located between the two rows of pads P_(S), P_(G) and/or may be located in outside areas OA, the outside areas OA being areas adjacent to a row on a side opposite the inside area IA. The columns of vias may extend across both rows of pads and contain vias associated with pads in both rows. The vias associated with the pads are preferably arranged in a plurality of side by side, generally parallel columns. The vias V_(S), V_(G) of each column may be in signal-signal-ground configuration. The shaded vias denote ground vias V_(G) and the unshaded vias denote signal vias V_(S). Adjacent columns of vias V_(S), V_(G) may be staggered such that each ground via V_(G) in a column is adjacent to a signal via Vs in an adjacent column. Thus each column of vias V_(S), V_(G), may be in a signal-signal-ground configuration, but the ground vias V_(G) may be staggered with respect to ground vias V_(G) in adjacent columns. The traces T may thus be routed in a manner to couple the staggered ground vias V_(G) in the columns with the unstaggered ground pads P_(G) in the rows. The trace configuration of FIG. 29A may create four columns of staggered vias V_(S), V_(G) from two rows of unstaggered pads P_(S), P_(G). This results in increased routing space between the vertical columns of vias. It will be understood that embodiments of the invention are envisioned for single-ended signaling as well and that the pad and via arrangement may be adjusted accordingly.

It should be noted that the via configuration of FIG. 29A shows an arrangement of ground vias V_(G) in a linear arrangement on a diagonal across the four columns of staggered vias V_(S), V_(G). This diagonal arrangement is denote by a dotted line g. In between each diagonal linear arrangement of ground vias V_(G) may be diagonal rows of signal vias V_(S). The diagonal arrangement of signal vias V_(S) is denoted by dotted lines s1 and s2. It will be understood, however, that alternative arrangements are envisioned to provide the staggering of the ground vias V_(G) relative to adjacent via columns.

The vias V_(S) and V_(G) are shown in FIG. 29A as being linearly arranged in columns and with the signal vias and ground vias forming each signal-signal-ground cell being equally spaced from each other along the direction of the column. However, for desired trace routing and electrical characteristics, the spacing and relative positions of the vias may be arranged in accordance with embodiments previously described. For example, the relative spacing between vias may be as shown in FIG. 2B, with the distance between the signal vias being less than the distance between the ground via and the next adjacent signal via. Similarly, the vias can be arranged as shown in FIG. 3B or 4B, with the signal vias being laterally offset from the column centerline.

In an alternative embodiment, the pads P_(S), P_(G) may be coupled with columns of plated through-holes, where the plated through-holes are in a staggered configuration similar to the configuration of the vias V_(S), V_(G). Alternatively, the signal pads Ps may be coupled to signal vias V_(S) and the ground pads P_(G) may be coupled to ground plated through-holes, and vice versa.

FIG. 29B depicts such a pad arrangement that may be suitable for SMT edge card applications, for example. In the embodiment shown, the arrangement of pads is ideally suited for a differential pair edge card connector. The two connector terminals carrying the differential signals may be terminated to adjacent pads P_(S) and these pairs of pads are separated from adjacent pairs of pads by ground pads P_(G).

FIG. 30A depicts two pairs of signal-conducting vias S, with a ground via G_(S) disposed between the pairs. The pairs may be differential signal pairs. The vias are arranged in a linear array disposed along a centerline C. Each via hole may be approximately the same size. FIG. 31B depicts the two pairs of signal-conducting vias S, with a relatively large ground via G_(L) disposed between the pairs. As shown in FIG. 30B, the ground via hole may be larger than any of the signal via holes.

FIG. 31A depicts two pairs of signal-conducting vias S, with a ground via G_(S) disposed between the pairs. The pairs may be differential signal pairs. The vias are arranged into two adjacent columns, separated by a distance P_(VC). The columns are offset from one another by a distance O_(V). As shown in FIG. 31A, each via hole may be approximately the same size. FIG. 31B depicts the two pairs of signal-conducting vias S, with a relatively large ground via G_(L) disposed between the pairs. As shown in FIG. 31B, the ground via hole may be larger than any of the signal via holes.

The larger the ground via hole, the less the crosstalk between the signal-conducting vias. FIGS. 32A and 32B provide example plots of differential impedance and cross-talk, respectively, for various ground via hole sizes. The data was gathered for footprints having signal via holes with diameters of about 0.5 mm, and ground via holes of about 0.5, 0.9, and 1.3 mm in diameter. It can be seen from FIG. 32A that differential impedance (i.e., impedance between the signal vias that form a differential signal pair) is relatively unaffected by the change in ground via hole size. It can be seen from FIG. 32B that cross-talk performance improves significantly as the ground via hole diameter increases.

It should be understood that the foregoing illustrative embodiments have been provided merely for the purpose of explanation and are in no way to be construed as limiting of the invention. For example, though the foregoing example embodiments were described in connection with via arrangements including both ground conductor vias and signal conductor vias, it is expected that, in accordance with the principles of the invention, suitable arrangements may be designed for connectors having only signal contacts. Similarly, though the foregoing example embodiments were described in connection with via arrangements including differential signal pairs, it is expected that, in accordance with the principles of the invention, suitable arrangements may be designed for connectors having only single-ended signal conductors, and for connectors having a combination of differential signal pairs and single-ended signal conductors. Additionally, it should be understood that the concepts described above may be employed alone or in combination with any of the other concepts described above. 

1. An electrical connector comprising: a plurality of electrically-conductive contacts having terminal portions arranged in a matrix of rows and columns, wherein (i) the terminal portions are adapted to be received by a substrate comprising a first pair of signal conductor vias arranged along a via column, a second pair of signal conductor vias adjacent to the first pair of signal conductor vias along the via column, and a first ground conductor via adjacent to the first pair of signal conductor vias along the via column, (ii) a pitch between the first ground conductor via and an adjacent one of the first pair of signal conductor vias is less than a pitch between the first pair of signal conductor vias and the second pair of signal conductor vias, and (iii) a pitch between the first pair of signal conductor vias is less than the pitch between the first pair of signal conductor vias and the second pair of signal conductor vias.
 2. The electrical connector of claim 1, wherein the plurality of contacts includes signal contacts and ground contacts.
 3. The electrical connector of claim 1, wherein the plurality of contacts includes a differential signal pair of electrical contacts.
 4. The electrical connector of claim 3, wherein the signal conductor vias are adapted to receive the differential signal pair.
 5. The electrical connector of claim 1, wherein the contacts are arranged in a signal-signal-ground configuration.
 6. The electrical connector of claim 1, wherein the substrate further comprises a plurality of signal conductor pads, each of which is connected to a respective one of the signal conductor vias.
 7. The electrical connector of claim 6, wherein the pitch between the first pair of signal conductor vias and the second pair of signal conductor vias is different from a pitch defined by a column of the signal conductor pads.
 8. The electrical connector of claim 1, wherein each of the vias is a plated through hole that extends into the substrate and is adapted to receive a respective one of the terminal portions.
 9. An electrical connector comprising: a plurality of electrically-conductive contacts having terminal portions arranged in a matrix of rows and columns, wherein (i) the terminal portions are adapted to be received by a substrate comprising a plurality of electrically-conductive signal vias arranged in a via column, the via column comprising a first signal via, a second signal via adjacent to the first signal via, a third signal via adjacent to the second signal via, and a fourth signal via adjacent to the third signal via, (ii) a pitch between the second and third signal vias is greater than a pitch between the first signal via and the second signal via, and (iii) the pitch between the second and third signal vias is greater than a pitch between the third signal via and the fourth signal via.
 10. The electrical connector of claim 9, wherein the plurality of contacts includes signal contacts and ground contacts.
 11. The electrical connector of claim 9, wherein the plurality of contacts includes a differential signal pair of electrical contacts, and the signal conductor vias are adapted to receive the differential signal pair.
 12. The electrical connector of claim 9, wherein the contacts are arranged in a signal-signal-ground configuration.
 13. The electrical connector of claim 9, wherein the substrate further comprises a plurality of signal conductor pads, each of which is connected to a respective one of the signal conductor vias, and the pitch between the second and third signal vias is different from a pitch defined by a column of the signal conductor pads.
 14. The electrical connector of claim 9, wherein each of the vias is a plated through hole that extends into the substrate and is adapted to receive a respective one of the terminal portions.
 15. An electrical connector comprising: a plurality of electrical contacts, each said contact having a respective terminal portion, the terminal portions arranged in a matrix of rows and columns, wherein (i) the terminal portions are adapted to be received by a substrate comprising a plurality of electrically-conductive vias arranged in a via column, the via column comprising a first ground conductor via, a first signal conductor via adjacent to the first ground via, a second signal conductor via adjacent to the first signal conductor via, and a third signal conductor via adjacent to the second signal conductor via, (ii) a pitch between the second and third signal conductor vias is greater than a pitch between the first signal conductor via and the first ground conductor via, and (iii) the pitch between the second and third signal conductor vias is greater than a pitch between the first and second signal conductor vias.
 16. The electrical connector of claim 15, wherein the plurality of contacts includes signal contacts and ground contacts.
 17. The electrical connector of claim 15, wherein the plurality of contacts includes a differential signal pair of electrical contacts, and the signal conductor vias are adapted to receive the differential signal pair.
 18. The electrical connector of claim 15, wherein the contacts are arranged in a signal-signal-ground configuration.
 19. The electrical connector of claim 15, wherein the substrate further comprises a plurality of signal conductor pads, each of which is connected to a respective one of the signal conductor vias, and the pitch between the second and third signal conductor vias is different from a pitch defined by a column of the signal conductor pads.
 20. The electrical connector of claim 15, wherein each of the vias is a plated through hole that extends into the substrate and is adapted to receive a respective one of the terminal portions. 